Modular walling systems

ABSTRACT

A system for the modular construction of partitions, the system comprising a plurality of modules, each module comprising a security panel and a frame, the security panel being attached to one or more surface of the frame, the frame comprising at least one box shaped profile, each profile being adapted for connection to an adjacent profile of an adjacent module or to a structural building member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for the modular constructionof partitions and a module for use therein.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Modular partition walling is known. It enables partition walls to beconstructed quickly and easily. However, it is an aim of the presentinvention to provide an improved system for erecting a partition wall.

Furthermore in some environments, such as banks, building societies andcourt houses, conventional partition walls are not strong enough toprovide the required security. Partition walls may need to befire-resistant, bullet-resistant, blast-resistant or attack-resistant ora combination thereof. It is therefore a further aim of the invention toprovide a system for the modular construction of partition walls thathas improved strength.

Accordingly it is an aim of the present invention to address at leastone disadvantage associated with the prior art whether described hereinor elsewhere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a system for themodular construction of walling and a module for use therein along witha method of installing a partition wall as set forth in the appendedclaims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from thedependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to an exemplary embodiment there is provided a method ofinstalling a partition wall. The method comprises installing a pluralityof modules, wherein each module is bounded by a frame. The frame may beformed from one or more profiles wherein the profiles are adapted tooptionally secure a security element. Here, the security element ispreferably arranged between the removable fastenings and the claddingpanel facing an intruder side of the partition wall. The profiles arealso adapted to allow a cladding panel to be installed on at least oneface. The Profiles being further adapted to be interconnected toadjacent modules or a structure of a building via removable fixings.Advantageously, the method therefore includes removing the fasteningconnecting one module to adjacent modules or structure of the buildingand replacing the module with a module having a different configuration.The method may further comprise re-using the removed module in a secondpartition wall. Advantageously, there is therefore provided a adaptableand quick method of installing a partition wall.

Preferably, in a particularly exemplary embodiment, the cladding panelsare hung on the frame of each module using hidden fixings. The hiddenfixings may include co-operating male and female features. For instance,in the exemplary embodiments, self centre recesses and male protrusionsare used. Here, the male protrusion includes a hooked portion such as abulbous head that passes through an aperture of the recess at onelocation but does not pass through the aperture at another location.Preferably, the aperture of the self centre recesses narrows from thefirst location toward the second. Consequently the panels are centred.In the exemplary embodiments, the first location is above the second sothat the weight of the cladding panel acts to urge the cladding paneltowards the second location. Also, it is beneficial to reduce anybending moment on the fixings by providing a plurality of co-operatingfixtures in the direction of movement from the first location to thesecond.

In one exemplary embodiment, each module includes a cladding panel on afront face and a back face. Suitably, the removable fixings are hiddenbehind the cladding panels. Here the fixings secure through sides of theframes. The method in this instance includes removing a cladding panelin order to access the removable fixings.

According to one aspect there is provided a system for the modularconstruction of partitions, the system comprising a plurality ofmodules, each module comprising a panel and at least one profile, eachprofile being attached to an edge of the panel and being adapted forconnection to an adjacent profile of an adjacent module or to astructural building member.

Preferably the panel comprises a security layer. Preferably the securitylayer is a metal mesh. Alternatively the security layer may be acontinuous layer. The security layer may comprise specialist steels,aluminium alloys and other non ferrous material, glass reinforcedplastic, polycarbonate, carbon fibre or ballistic steel sheet material.

Preferably each said profile comprises a panel fixing portion and amodule fixing portion, the panel fixing portion comprising a pair ofprojections extending along the length of the profile and clamping thesecurity layer there between.

Preferably the panel further comprises one outer layer located on oneside of the security layer. Each said profile may comprise a panelfixing portion and a module fixing portion, the panel fixing portioncomprising a pair of projections extending along the length of theprofile and clamping the outer layer and the security layer therebetween

Preferably the panel further comprises two outer layers, each outerlayer being located on a respective side of the security layer. Theouter layer may comprise plywood, MDF, Sterling board, recycledcomposite material or glass reinforced plastic.

Preferably each said profile comprises a panel fixing portion and amodule fixing portion. The panel fixing portion may comprise two pairsof projections extending along the length of the profile, each pair ofprojections clamping a said outer layer there between. The securitylayer may be clamped in the space formed between the two pairs ofprojections.

Preferably the projections are provided with serrations to clamp therespective outer layer.

Preferably the module fixing portion comprises a flat plate extending at90 degrees to the plane of the panel.

Preferably the plate has a plurality of holes, each hole being adaptedto receive a fixing means.

Preferably the plate has one or more slots, the or each slot beingadapted to receiving trunking.

According to a further aspect there is provided a module for use in asystem as herein described, each module comprising a panel and at leastone profile, each profile being attached to an edge of the panel andbeing adapted for connection to an adjacent profile of an adjacentmodule or to a structural building member.

The present invention includes any combination of the herein referred tofeatures or limitations.

According to one aspect there is provided a system for the modularconstruction of partitions, the system comprising a plurality ofmodules, each module comprising a security panel and a frame, thesecurity panel being attached to one or more surface of the frame, theframe comprising at least one box shaped profile, each profile beingadapted for connection to an adjacent profile of an adjacent module orto a structural building member.

Preferably the security panel is attached within the frame.

Preferably the security panel comprises a security layer. The securitylayer may be a metal mesh. Alternatively the security layer may be acontinuous layer. The security layer may comprise specialist steels,aluminium alloys and other non ferrous material, glass reinforcedplastic, polycarbonate, carbon fibre or ballistic steel sheet material.

The module may be an anti-ballistic module or an anti-bandit module.

Preferably the at least one profile comprises a base and a cover. Thecover may be a snap fit on the base.

The at least one profile may have an external recess for receiving thesecurity panel. The security panel may comprise a connection means forsecuring the security panel in the frame. Preferably the security layerextends substantially parallel with the plane of the front of themodule. The connection means may be a connection frame in which thesecurity layer is secured.

Alternatively the security layer may be attached directly to at leastone surface of the frame. The security layer may be attached to theframe by means of screws or straps.

The at least one profile may have internal ribs for receiving a profilesecurity insert extending substantially parallel with the plane of thefront of the module. The connection means may comprise a connectionsecurity insert extending substantially parallel with the plane of thefront of the module. Preferably the connection security insert overlapsthe security layer and the profile security insert.

Preferably the module further comprises a front cladding layer. Themodule may also comprise a rear cladding layer. The front and/or rearcladding layer(s) may be decorative. The front and/or rear claddinglayer(s) may comprise plywood, MDF, Sterling board, recycled compositematerial or glass reinforced plastic.

Preferably the at least one profile has a plurality of holes, each holebeing adapted to receive a fixing means for mounting the front or rearcladding. The holes may be keyhole shaped for receiving a head of afixing, such as a screw, pre-mounted on the cladding. Alternatively, therecesses may be arranged on the cladding and the fixings arranged on theprofile.

The at least one profile may be provided with slots adapted to allowtrunking to pass there through.

Preferably the bottom profile of each module may be adapted to receiveat least one foot. Preferably each foot is adjustable. A transom may beprovided on the bottom profile having screw holes, each screw hole beingadapted to receive the treaded shaft of a said foot.

According to a further aspect there is provided a module for use in asystem as herein described, each module comprising a security panel anda frame, the security panel being attached to one or more surfaces ofthe frame, the frame comprising at least one box shaped profile, eachprofile being adapted for connection to an adjacent profile of anadjacent module or to a structural building member.

The present invention includes any combination of the herein referred tofeatures or limitations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodimentsof the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, byway of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a partition wall comprising modules according to a firstembodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a module according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a corner of a module according to thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section through the line AT of FIG. 2 according tothe first embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows two modules according to the first embodiment fixed inposition on a wall;

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of area AK of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of area AL of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of area AM of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 shows the arrangement of FIG. 5 with two additional modulesattached to the first two modules;

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of area AN of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of area AP of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 shows the partition wall of FIG. 1 with trunking installed:

FIG. 13 shows a partition of the partition wall of FIG. 1 with a numberof cladding panels attached;

FIG. 14 shows the partition wall of FIG. 1 with cladding panelsattached;

FIG. 15 shows a cross-section through a module according to a secondembodiment;

FIG. 16 shows an enlarged view of a partition of area AQ of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of two modules to be attached toeach other according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the modules of FIG. 17 whenattached to each other;

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-section through a profile of a module of FIG.17;

FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of the frame of a module of FIG.17;

FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of the two modules of FIG. 17attached to each other by a corner profile;

FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of a module according to a fourthembodiment.

FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of a module according to a fifthembodiment.

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of two modules according to asixth embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of two modules according to aseventh embodiment; and

FIG. 26 is partial cross-section through a profile of a module of FIGS.24 and 25.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a modular walling system 1 is provided. The modularwalling system forms a partition wall 10 from two or more modules 12.According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method ofusing the modular walling system to install a partition wall 10. Themethod comprises installing a first module 12 a and then installing asecond module 12 b by connecting the first and second modules usingreleasable or detachable fixings such as bolts. Advantageously, theformed partition wall is therefore provided with interchangeable andreusable modules. The adaptability of the partition wall is thereforeimproved. For instance, in a particular exemplary application, themodular walling system is adapted to provide a partition wall within abank or other financial institution such as a building society, postoffice or even other point of sale applications. To exemplify theadaptability, one example is used. The partition 10 may be formed with anumber of cut out partitions 52 for mounting, for example, cash machinesto be accessible therethrough. Should the need arise to change alocation of a cash machine or to replace a cash machine with a mannedtill, for instance, the method comprises removing module 12 a andreplacing it with a new module having an alternative configuration.Because the modules are detachably connected at their periphery, themodule can be swapped without affecting the adjacent modules 12.Advantageously, this allows a partition wall to be installed in a matterof hours rather than a matter of days.

In order to be interchanged, the adjacent modules are only connected atthe detachable fixings. Consequently, one or both faces of the partition10 are formed from a plurality of separate faces. That is, the partitionface is not plastered as with traditional partitions. Rather, eachmodule 12 includes a cladding panel 18 that combine to form the face ofthe partition 10. the modules may be clad on one or both sides.

It is preferable for the detachable fixings to be contained within thepartition. If only clad on one side, the fixing can easily remainvisible. However, when clad on both sides, although the fixings maysecure protrusions that extend outward from the cladding panel, it ispreferable for the removable fixings to be behind the cladding panel soas to avoid a snagging point. Consequently, it is preferable if at leastone side of the module includes a removable cladding panel. Here, themethod comprises removing the cladding panel from a module to access theremovable fixings, removing the fixings to interchange the module,replacing the fixings and re-installing the removable cladding panel orreplacement cladding panel.

The modular walling system will now be described in more detail withreference to exemplary partitions 10 and modules 12.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary partition 10 constructed using a modularwalling system. The partition 10 may be fire-resistant,bullet-resistant, blast-resistant, attack-resistant or a combinationthereof. The partition 10 comprises a plurality of modules 12 which areconnected together as will be described below.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show details of modules adapted to provide ballisticprotection. Each module 12 comprises a frame 14, a security panel 16, afront cladding panel 18 and a rear cladding panel 20. Each frame 14comprises four profiles 22 a-d.

Each module 12 comprises a panel 14 and four profiles 20 a-d. Each panel14 comprises an inner layer 16 and two outer layers 18 a and 18 b. Theinner layer 16 is a security layer in the form of a security mesh.However, the security layer 16 is not limited to security meshes and maybe a solid sheet of material. The security layer 16 may comprise anysuitable material capable of providing the required security protection,such as specialist steels, aluminium alloys and other non ferrousmaterial, glass reinforced plastic, polycarbonate, carbon fibre andballistic steel sheet material. The outer layers 18 a and 18 b arepreferably attack rated and comprise a material such as plywood, MDF,Stirling board, recycled composite material and glass reinforcedplastic. The choice of material for both the inner layer 16 and theouter layers 18 a and 18 b will depend on whether, for example, thepartition is required to be fire-resistant, bullet-resistant,blast-resistant, attack-resistant or a combination thereof.

Each profile 20 a-d extends along a respective edge of the panel asshown in FIG. 2. Each profile 20 a-d has a panel fixing partition 22 anda module fixing partition 24 as shown in FIG. 3. The panel fixingpartition 22 comprises two pairs of serrated projections 26 a and 26 b,28 a and 28 b running along the length of the respective profile 20 a-d.Each pair of serrated projections 26 a and 26 b, 28 a and 28 b isadapted to receive an outer layer 18 a or 18 b of the module 12respectively. The serrations are shaped to enable easy insertion of theouter layer 18 a and 18 b, and also to hold the outer panels 18 a and 18b securely in place by biting into the outer panel when the outer layer18 a or 18 b is pulled in a direction away from the respective profile20 a-d. The security layer 16 is accommodated in the space between thetwo pairs of serrated projections 26, 28.

The module fixing partition 24 is shown in FIG. 4 and comprises a flatplate extending at 90 degrees to the plane of the panel 14. The platehas a plurality of holes 30, each hole for receiving a fixing means(described later). The plate of profiles 20 a and 20 b also has slots32, each slot 32 for receiving trunking for electrical cables, opticalcables and the like.

Although the plate of the module fixing partition 24 is shown with holes30 for receiving fixing means, it may be provided with any suitablemeans to enable the respective profile 20 a-d to be attached to anadjacent module 12 or a structural building member such as a wall, afloor, a ceiling or the like. Alternatively the plate may be fixed tothe adjacent module 12, without the need for any such attachment means.Also, it is not always required to provide slots 32 for receivingtrunking. Thus, it may be desirable for the plate to be left blank.

FIG. 5 shows the first two modules 12 of a partition fixed in positionon a wall 34. As can be seen in detail in FIGS. 6-8, the respectiveprofiles 20 b are attached to the wall 34 by fixing means in the form ofbolts 36 inserted through the holes 30. Likewise, the profile 20 c ofthe upper module is attached to the ceiling (not shown) by means ofbolts 36 inserted through the holes 30, and the profile 20 d of thelower module is attached to the floor (not shown) by means of bolts 36inserted through the holes 30. The two modules 12 are held together byfixing means in the form of bolts 38 inserted through each of theadjacent holes 30 in the profile 20 d of the upper module 12 and theprofile 20 c of the lower module 12, each bolt 38 being fastened bymeans of a nut 40 and washer 41 (not shown).

FIG. 9 shows the next two modules of the partition fixed in position tothe first two modules. As can be seen in detail in FIGS. 10 and 11, theupper two modules 12 and lower two modules 12 are respectively heldtogether by means of bolts 38 inserted through each of the adjacentholes 30 in the profile 20 b of the left hand module and the profile 20a of the right hand module 12, each bolt 28 being fastened by means of anut 40 and washer 41. The upper and lower modules 12 are held togetherby means of bolts 38 inserted through each of the adjacent holes 30 inthe profile 20 d of the upper module 12 and the profile 20 c of thelower module 12, each bolt 28 being fastened by means of nut 40. Theprofile 20 c of the upper module is attached to the ceiling (not shown)by means of bolts 36 inserted through the holes 30, and the profile 20 dof the lower module is attached to the floor (not shown) by means ofbolts 36 inserted through the holes 30.

The remaining modules of the partition are fixed in place to theceiling, floor in a corresponding manner. Corners and junctions may beprovided with appropriately shaped box sections or angle connectors towhich the modules are attached.

FIG. 12 shows the partition of FIG. 1 with trunking 50 installedhorizontally through the slots 32. FIGS. 1 and 12 also show that some ofthe lower modules 12 are provided with cut-out partitions 52 in thepanels 14 to accommodate equipment, such as a cash machine. Some of thelower modules 12 have also been provided with power and data modules

FIG. 13 shows a number of cladding panels 56 having been applied to thefront of respective modules 12, i.e adjacent the outer layer 18 a of thepanel 14 of the module 12. Each cladding panel 56 is attached to itsrespective module by suitable fastening means from the rear. Thefastening means could be attack rated. The fastening means may be angleor rear fixings, for example, screws through the security layer 16, Zchannels etc. The cladding panels 56 are applied to the whole of thepartition 10 as shown in FIG. 14, to give it a more attractiveappearance. The surface of the cladding panels 56 is prefinished to suitcustomer requirements. Some of the cladding panels 56 are provided witha cut-out partition 58 to match the cut-out partition 52 in the adjacentmodule 12. Importantly, the cladding panels do not require plastering orother finishes being applied.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show the construction of a module 12′ according to asecond exemplary embodiment. It is the same as the module 12 of thefirst embodiment, except as will now be described. All features that arethe same as in the first embodiment will be referred to using the suffix“′”.

Panel 14′ comprises a security panel 16′ and one outer panel 18 a′. Thepanel fixing partition 22′ comprises a pair of projections 60 a and 60 brunning along the length of the respective profile 20 a′-d′. The pair ofprojections 60 a and 60 b is adapted to receive the security layer 16′and the outer layer 18 a′ of the module 12.

The panel may also simply comprise a security layer, i.e. no outerpanels. In this case the panel fixing partition may comprise a pair ofprojections running along the length of the respective profile which areadapted to receive the security layer.

The modules of the present invention may be provided in any size orshape. Although the modules described above are all rectangular, theymay also be, for example, square or triangular. A range of modules ofdifferent sizes and shapes may be used in any one partition according tothe requirements of the location.

Furthermore, the panel fixing partition may comprise any suitable panelfixing means and the module fixing partition may comprise any suitablemodule fixing means.

Referring to FIGS. 17 to 26, a particularly exemplary embodiment isshown. Here, the modular walling system 101 is formed from a pluralityof modules 112. Each module is formed from a frame 114 that bounds eachmodule to form a periphery. In the exemplary embodiments describedherein, square or rectangular modules are described having four profiles122 a-122 d along each side. However, other shaped modules are envisagedhaving more or fewer profiles 122 required to form the module periphery.Each module may include a security panel 116 as herein described, thoughthis is not essential. The security panel 116 is sealed to an inner edgeof the frame 114. One or both sides are then clad with cladding panels.A front cladding panel 118 and rear cladding panel 120 for instance.Advantageously, the method comprises assembling the pre-installed framesby interconnecting adjacent frames with releasable fasteners such asbolts 162, 164. Thus the method entails removing the fasteners of onemodule 112 to replace or swap or reconfigure the partition wall 101.Importantly, it is not necessary to finish a front or rear face of thepartition with plaster or the like. In the previous embodiments,cladding panels wee applied to a front side only. However, it is oftendesirable to apply a finish to both side. Consequently, a hiddenfastening technique is required. As will be described herein, suitablythe hidden fastening technique comprises female features that co-operatewith male features, for instance holes 166 that cooperate with fasteningon the back of the cladding panels to hang the cladding panels to theframe.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-section through profile 122 a, which is identicalto the cross section through profile 122 b. The cross-sections throughprofiles 122 c and 212 d are slightly different as the width W is largerthan for profiles 122 a and 122 b. The profiles 122 a-d comprise a base124 and a cover 126. The base 124 and the cover 126 together form a boxprofile. The base 124 is connected to the cover 126 by means of a snapfit connection. The snap fit connection is provided by resilient latches128 and 30 on the cover 126 engaging with locking projections 132 and134 on the base 124. The profiles 22 a-d may be made of aluminium.

The base 124 and the cover 126 are each provided with a number of ribs136. The ribs 36 enhance the stiffness of the longer walls of theprofile 122 a, and also provide slots 38 each for receiving a securityinsert 140 as illustrated in FIG. 18. The security insert 40 preferablyextends along the full length of the profile 122 a.

The base 124 and the cover 126 are each provided with a number of screwreceptacles 141 and a number of screw holes 142. As shown in FIG. 20,screws 143 are inserted through the screw holes 142 of the profile 122 band into the screw receptacles of profile 122 c to hold the two profilestogether.

The base 124 and the cover 126 are each provided with a panel connectionrecess 144 for receiving a side of a connection frame 146 as will bedescribed below.

The security panel 16 comprises a security sheet 148 and the connectionframe 146. The security sheet 48 provides the main ballistic securityfor the module 112. The security sheet 148 may comprise any suitablematerial capable of providing the required ballistic securityprotection, such as ballistic steel sheet material. The connection frame146 comprises means 150 for holding the edges of the security layer 148,means 152 for attaching the connection frame 146 to the profile 122 a-dand means 154 for receiving a security insert 156. Together securitylayer 148 and security inserts 140 and 156 provide the required securityover the entire area of the module 112.

Modules 112 may be attached to each other or to a structural buildingmember such as a wall, a floor, a ceiling or the like. Alternatively asingle profile 122 a-d of a module 112 may be bolted directly to astructural member, such as a wall 157, ceiling or floor. Corners andjunctions may be provided with appropriately shaped box sections, asshown in FIG. 21, or angle connectors to which the modules are attached.

The front cladding panel 118 and the rear cladding panel 120 may both bedecorative. The front cladding panel 118 and the rear cladding panel 120may be attack rated and comprise a material such as plywood, MDF,Stirling board, recycled composite material and glass reinforcedplastic. The choice of material for both the front cladding panel 118and a rear cladding panel 120 will depend on whether, for example, thepartition is required to be fire-resistant, bullet-resistant,blast-resistant, attack-resistant or a combination thereof. The rearcladding panel 120 is optional.

FIG. 22 shows how a cladding panel 18 is applied to the front of amodule 112. The cladding panel 18 is attached to the module 112 bysuitable fastening means. The fastening means are preferably attackrated. The fastening means may be screws 167 pre-mounted on the claddingand extending through keyhole shaped holes 166 to lock behind the narrowpartition of the holes 166.

The embodiment of FIG. 22 also shows how a cross profile 122 e may beattached to a frame to give additional strength and rigidity to theframe and support to the cladding.

The cladding panels 118 are applied to the whole of the partition 110 asshown in FIG. 1, to give it a more attractive appearance. The surface ofthe cladding panels 118 is prefinished to suit customer requirements.

FIG. 23 shows an arrangement in which the lower modules in a partitionare provided with adjustable feet 70. A transom (not shown) may beprovided on the profile 122 d having screw holes, each screw hole beingadapted to receive a threaded shaft 172 of a said foot 170. A plate 174having recesses 176 may be attached to the floor to locate the feet 170.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show details of modules 212 adapted to provideanti-bandit protection. They are the same as the module 112 of theprevious embodiment, except for the internal details of the profiles andthe location of the security panel as will now be described. Allfeatures that are the same as in the first embodiment will be referredto using the prefix “2”.

Each module 212 comprises a frame 214, a security panel 216, a frontcladding panel 118 and a rear cladding panel 220. Each frame 214comprises four profiles 222 a-d.

FIG. 26 shows a cross-section through profile 222 a. Profile 222 acomprises a base 224 and a cover 226. The base 224 and the cover 226 donot have the ribs or the panel connection recess of the ballistic moduleof the first embodiment. The base 224 is provided with an additionalscrew receptacle 241. The security panel 216 is a security sheet, forexample in the form of a mesh or a continuous sheet of material,attached directly to the profile 222 a by means of screw or straps. Thesecurity layer 216 may comprise any suitable material capable ofproviding the required security protection, such as specialist steels,aluminium alloys and other non ferrous material, glass reinforcedplastic, polycarbonate, carbon fibre and ballistic steel sheet material.

FIG. 25 shows the modules 212 having non-glazed cladding panels 218,whilst FIG. 26 shows the modules having glazed cladding panels 218′.

The profiles may be provided with slots (not shown) to enable trunkingfor electrical cables, optical cables and the like to extend across withwidth W. FIG. 1 also shows that some of the lower modules 12 areprovided with cut-out partitions 52 to accommodate equipment, such as acash machine. Some of the lower modules 12 have also been provided withpower and data modules 54.

The exemplary modules herein described may be provided in any size orshape. Although the modules described above are all rectangular, theymay also be, for example, square or triangular. A range of modules ofdifferent sizes and shapes may be used in any one partition according tothe requirements of the location.

The use of box section profiles provide strengths and rigidity to theframe of the modules and support to the cladding. The use of theprofiles in combination with the security panels results in partitionwalling having improved anti-bandit and/or anti-ballistic properties.

Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have beenshown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat changes may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention as defined in the claims.

1. A method of using a system for the modular construction of apartition wall, the method comprising: a) arranging a first of aplurality of modules adjacent to the structure of a building or adjacentmodule; b) securing the first module to the adjacent structure or moduleusing removable fixings; c) repeating steps a) and b) for a second andeach remaining module of the plurality of modules; d) hanging a claddingpanel to one face of each module so as to provide a finished wall. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises removing one of theplurality of modules by removing the removable fixings securing saidmodule, and replacing said module with a replacement module having adifferent configuration including replacing the removable fixing tosecure the replacement module in place.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the method includes reusing the removed module in a secondpartition wall.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method compriseshanging a cladding panel on both sides of each module.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the step of removing a module comprises removing acladding panel from at least one side in order to access the removablefixings.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of arranging eachmodule adjacent to a structure or adjacent module includes the step ofadjusting the height of said module by adjusting at least one foot. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the step of hanging a cladding panelcomprises engaging a male feature with a female feature and moving thecladding panel in a first direction in order to cause the male featureand female feature to move relative to each other and from a firstposition in which the male and female features are not engaged to asecond position where the male and female features are arranged tosecure the cladding panel to the module.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the method comprises removing a cladding panel and replacing itwith a replacement cladding panel having a different configuration. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein the method comprises reusing the removedcladding panel in a second partition wall.
 10. A system for the modularconstruction of a partition wall, the system comprising a plurality ofmodules, each module being bounded about an edge by a frame, wherein theframe is adapted to hang at least one cladding panel on a front or backof the module and the frame being adapted to be secured to an adjacentmodule or structure of a building via removable fixings.
 11. The systemof claim 10, wherein the frame of each module is adapted to receive asecurity layer.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the frame includesone of a male or female feature and the cladding panel includes theother of the male or female member, wherein the male and female featuresare adapted such that moving the cladding panel in a first direction tocauses the male feature and female feature to move relative to eachother and from a first position in which the male and female featuresare not engaged to a second position where the male and female featuresare arranged to secure the cladding panel to the module.
 13. The systemof claim 10, wherein the female feature includes a self centre feature.14. The system of claim 10, wherein each module includes adjustablefeet.
 15. A module for use in the system of claim 10, the module beingbounded about an edge by a frame, wherein the frame is adapted to hangat least one cladding panel on a front or back of the module and theframe being adapted to be secured to an adjacent module or structure ofa building via removable fixings.